Why We Chose the Coros Vertix 2 GPS Adventure Watch: accuracy, battery life, waterproof
California-based sports watch upstarts Coros aren’t hanging around. Since their launch in 2016, they’ve created some of the world’s most advanced GPS watches and continue to make serious moves in the adventure world, exemplified by Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg joining their Pro Athlete Team in March 2022.
Their most advanced watch is the Vertix 2. Boasting features like super-accurate dual-frequency GPS, offline global mapping and a battery life that’s longer than the entire lifespan of many insects, this is a watch to rival the finest models from rivals like Garmin and Suunto. Of course, it does all the usual GPS watch tricks too, giving you a comprehensive and highly advanced adventure accessory.
Who is the Coros Vertix 2 GPS Adventure Watch for?
Coros state that the Vertix 2 is intended for ‘adventurers who go to the extreme’ and with its serious price tag, this is certainly an investment for those who are very serious about their outdoor escapades. Its remarkable battery life makes it ideal for measuring multi-day missions, while its robust construction means it is at home on mountaineering expeditions and big wall climbs. Chunkier and heavier than many GPS watches, if you’re a fast and light hiker or a trail runner, you’re undoubtedly better served by a unit less weighed down by bells and whistles.
Accuracy
One of the main selling points is the Vertix’s ability to talk to all five of the world’s satellite systems at the same time, while its dual frequency capabilities lead to a faster and more reliable signal. So, what does this mean in the real world? Coros say that this pioneering approach improves GPS plotting when the user is exploring between skyscrapers, towering rock walls or through dense woodland.
Features
The Vertix 2 benefits from all the features of the Coros Ecosystem, meaning you get the usual GPS watch applications. For example, sensor-wise it has a 3D compass, barometric altimeter, gyroscope, electrocardiogram, thermometer, heart rate sensor and more. There are around 30 workout modes, with everything from rowing and speed surfing to multi-pitch climbing and hiking. In terms of compatibility, it can sync with a range of Bluetooth accessories, including Insta360 action cameras, meaning you can take shots remotely using your watch.
There’s no getting away from the impressive battery life. Running the Pennine Way? The Vertix 2 gives you a whopping 140 hours of use when GPS tracking and 60 days of normal use too. There’s also 32 GB of storage at your fingertips, plenty of room for your historic workout data, map layers and audio files too.
“The Vertix 2 features global offline mapping with three modes: landscape, topo and hybrid.”
The 1.4-inch, high-res touchscreen gives you a wealth of information with one glance; it’s large size and resolution is essential when it comes to its mapping applications. The Vertix 2 features global offline mapping with three modes: landscape, topo and hybrid. You can zoom in and out and move the map around with the touchscreen, allowing for precise navigation and, if you lose your way, the breadcrumb feature enables you to retrace your steps.
